Open since 1939 as Gerry's Coffee Shop, Clayton's at 979 Orange Ave in Coronado, CA 92118, is a retro American diner ranked #1 of all Coronado restaurants on TripAdvisor with over 1,000 reviews and a Travelers' Choice designation. The building at the corner of 10th and Orange Avenue still features its original horseshoe counter and jukeboxes, unchanged through owners Clayton Rice — who renamed the shop in 1978 — and current operator Mary Frese. Local favorites include the Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, Strawberry Shortcake Waffle, Border Burger with jalapeños and Swiss, house-baked pies, and hand-spun milkshakes. The menu serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with gluten-free options and walk-up coffee and donut service. The diner operates three concepts at the same address: the main coffee shop open daily 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, a donut window from 5:00 AM, and Clayton's Mexican Takeout next door from 8:00 AM — all within a block of Holland's Bicycles. No reservations accepted. For French bistro brunch a few blocks up, Little Frenchie is at 1166 Orange Ave.